The 41-year-old quotes Chappell as saying “we could control Indian cricket for years” in his book ‘Playing it My Way.’ (Source: PTI)

Retired cricket great Sachin Tendulkar says in his upcoming autobiography that former India coach Greg Chappell wanted him to replace Rahul Dravid as captain ahead of the 2007 World Cup.

The 41-year-old quotes Chappell as saying “we could control Indian cricket for years” in his book ‘Playing it My Way,’ according to extracts released Monday by the Press Trust of India.

Tendulkar writes that he was surprised at Chappell’s attitude at such a crucial juncture “just months before the World Cup.”

Tendulkar also writes that Chappell was “intent on dropping all the older players” and even spoke to the Board of Control for Cricket in India about his plans to have a younger team.

India failed to get past the first round at the 2007 World Cup.